At a very young age, Helio Gracie learned traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu techniques
from his older brother, Carlos. In the late 1920s, he began to modify these techniques
to accommodate his frail physique with the objective of developing a system that
would enable him to defend himself against larger opponents. After years of refinement,
he proved his art's effectiveness by routinely defeating larger and stronger
opponents, some of whom outweighed him by as much as 100 pounds. As a result, Helio's
techniques quickly became the new expression of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil and set the
stage for a worldwide revolution in martial arts.

Although Gracie or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective martial art on the planet,
it is a relatively young martial art. Realizing that the key to global dissemination
of pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the development of a formalized curriculum, the Gracie
Academy dedicated several years to organizing all the techniques in the most logical
sequence based on their complexity and usefulness in combat. Furthermore, we conduct
all group classes with the utmost concern for safety, and we demand that all students
treat each other respectfully regardless of skill level, gender, race, nationality,
or creed. At the Gracie Academy we don't teach people how to fight. We give people
confidence so they don't need to fight.

Gracie Combatives is the official beginner program of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. In this program, students learn the 36 most important techniques in a fun, safe, and cooperative training environment.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life. The principles of discipline, patience, efficiency, and control are the keys to success on and off the mat. Whether your a dedicated practitioner of the art or just a fan of the Gracie way, the casual wear, training gear, and accessories in the Gracie Store will remind you to keep it real at all times. With all Gracie Store purchases, your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send it back and we'll replace it or refund your money (as long as you promise not to choke us out!). Select a category below to begin browsing, and then feel free to order online or give us a call at 1-877-472-2430 (Monday - Friday, 10am to 6pm PST) and we will gladly assist you over the phone. If you have a question about the status of your order feel free to shoot us an e-mail at
store@gracieacademy.com.

Gracie Museum

Located within the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy headquarters in Torrance, California, the Gracie Museum has been open to the public since 2002. Showcasing everything from historical newspaper clippings and photos from the early 1930s to the actual gi Helio Gracie wore during his legendary battle with Masahiko Kimura, the museum provides visitors with an in-depth look at the most influential family in martial arts history.

The Gracie Summer Retreat

Located at the mountain resort of Terezópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this estate was the Gracie summer retreat. It had 21 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms. There were 18 uniformed employees working at the house, who had amongst themselves 14 children. There were 25 in-house telephones and a switchboard that enabled 6 people to talk to each other at the same time. A record of 37 kids of the Gracie family stayed at the house at one time, ages varying from 1 to 17 years old. Add to that 2 or 3 dozens of adults and there would be over one hundred people staying at the house during the busy summer weekends. There was an in-house laundry with industrial machines that washed 650 gis a week to provide for the academy in Rio. The tall building in the front is a 15,000 gallon water reservoir and a meditation room used by Carlos Gracie. At the center grass area is the canvas which was always ready to serve as a training area for the Gracie family members of all ages at any time.

Twice, there were carnival parties for over 1,200 guests with live band music and food. In the center of the main building the little bell hanging on the wall identifies the two kitchen windows. The kitchen, like a busy restaurant, would prepare hundreds of meals a day - all prepared according to the Gracie Diet, starting with breakfast for the employees, then for the children, and finally for the adults and guests. On every Christmas Eve, Helio Gracie would dress up as Santa Claus and ride his black stallion, "Quilate," up towards the main grass area and stop at the bottom of the veranda. He would then get off the horse, climb up a ladder into the main living area (with the three glass windows in the front) and hand out the presents to the little kids. For those who had the privilege of experiencing the full impact of the Gracie lifestyle it was an unforgettable experience. For the children it was paradise.